wreck

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Ban Pla Aow TongTom (Artificial)/ บ้านปลา อ่าวท้องตม

When we talk about easy, relaxed wreck diving in the Gulf, Ban Pla Aow TongTom really stands out. It's an artificial reef, originally a fishing boat scuttled to create new habitat, and it’s done its job beautifully. The wreck itself sits shallow, only 10 metres down, making it perfect for newer divers or those who just want a long, leisurely bottom time. We love drifting over the main deck, spotting the resident batfish that school so densely they almost obscure the superstructure. Look closely at the hull and you’ll find nudibranchs inching their way across the metal, and we’ve often seen small lionfish tucked into crevices, waiting for an easy meal. It’s not a huge wreck, but there’s enough to explore for a good 40 minutes, especially if you take your time to peer into the cabins. The visibility here can be decent, especially in the calmer months from May to September, though it’s never going to be Red Sea clear. We’d suggest going early in the morning before any boat traffic stirs things up too much. It’s a gentle site, a truly pleasant dive that reminds you how quickly nature reclaims what man leaves behind.